The objective of this review was to summarize the evidence for the impact of CACFP on children’s diet quality, weight status, food insecurity, and cognitive development. Nineteen articles were reviewed, most of which had been published since 2012. Seventeen used cross-sectional designs. Twelve evaluated foods and beverages served; 4 evaluated dietary intake; 4 evaluated the child care nutrition environment; 2 evaluated food insecurity, 1 evaluated weight status; none evaluated cognitive outcomes. Studies typically found either a small beneficial association with CACFP or no significant association. Currently, evidence for an association between CACFP and children’s health is inconclusive, though it is slightly suggestive of a benefit for some dietary quality outcomes. More research, with stronger study designs, is needed.
Published: March 2023
ID #: 77232
Journal: Nutrition Reviews
Authors: Kenney EL, Tucker K, Plummer RS, Mita C, Andreyeva T
Keyword: Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
Focus Area: Early Childhood
Resource Type: Journal Article
Age Group: Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5)
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